JOB SUMMARY:
A professional RN with oncology-specific knowledge who offers individualized assistance to patients, families, and care givers to help overcome healthcare systems barriers.
REPORTS TO:
Director of Nursing
scope:
Specialized oncology nurse who attains proper judgement and competence to provide patient centered care under the direct supervision of the physician. Provides education, resources to facilitate decision making, and timely access to quality health and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer continuum. Works within the scope of licensure as a registered nurse. Applies identified evidence-based nursing practices consistent with national standards and supports quality outcomes. Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to meet the physical, psychosocial, educational, spiritual needs of the patient and family, contributes to and implements the plan of care. Maintains competency in all clinic standards while supporting NHO mission and core values.
--- Honesty and Integrity, Open-Hearted, Patient-Centered, to Exceed Expectations ---
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
- Utilize the nursing process – assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to facilitate continuing healthcare opportunities to individuals, families, and community.
- Provide patient support at time of diagnosis, throughout treatment, ongoing survivorship or when transitioning to end-of-life care.
- Advocate for quality patient -centered outcomes & facilitate communication between the healthcare team.
- Utilize screening tools for patient assessment and provide intervention as indicated.
- Create and implement comprehensive care plans and treatment summaries.
- Individualize guidance for those with health disparities including transportation, assistance with medications, counseling, and access community resources.
- Initiate discussions in advanced care planning, goal setting, and supportive & symptom management for patients initiating treatment or changing focus to comfort, and end of life.
- Maintain competency in clinical roles to provide quality patient care and as a resource for staff.
- Employ critical thinking skills and knowledge-based nursing judgement.
- Collaborate with the healthcare team utilizing communication tools to provide focused and concise information, execute orders with readback, and assure accuracy and appropriateness.
- Teach and counsel patients and families concerning health assessment, how to evaluate symptoms, medications, effectiveness of treatment, how and when to notify the healthcare team.
- Follow practice standards to ensure consistency and effectiveness promoting positive outcomes and access to health care.
- Demonstrate effective and respectful communication with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
- Approach patient care with empathy and compassion.
- Identify learning needs of the patient, educates by adapting to the learning style, and utilizing the teach-back method.
- Assist staff in clinic quality improvement measures and clinic standards of practice.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Graduate from an accredited school of nursing. Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Nebraska required.
- Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Oncology Certification is highly encouraged.
- One year of nursing experience. Experience working with oncology patients preferred.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force consistently to move objects including the human body. Ability to assist adult patients to exam tables and maintain patient mobility including walker and wheelchair assistance. Exposure to blood, waste, bodily fluids, communicable diseases, and hazardous drugs while utilizing appropriate safety standards.
PERFORMANCE:
- Knowledge of nursing and clinical systems.
- Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to nursing practice, OSHA, and HIPAA requirements.
- Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.
- Knowledge of quality metrics.
- Skill in organizing work to achieve clinical goals and meet patient/medical provider needs.
- Skill to maintain clinical competency as required for licensure and clinic standards.
- Skill to ensure that equipment and facilities are in proper condition for use in delivering health care.
- Skill to engage diverse populations and provide culturally sensitive coaching, education, and assistance.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work as a team member.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information.
- Ability to integrate new work process and adapt to change.
- Ability to exercise courtesy, tact, and professionalism.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment relevant to changing patient needs.
- Ability to receive feedback and apply it to work performance.
- Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
- Ability to attend required meetings and participates in committees as requested.
